One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is moving from vision to execution as though it’s a linear process. The widely held assumption is they are two ends of a spectrum: Vision is about planning. Execution is about action.

The truth is: Vision requires action to be clarified and refined, and execution requires reflection to be effective.

IT’S NOT LINEAR

Most leadership experts subscribe to some variation of these five steps. The model is logical. But in reality, most of us don’t live our lives that way, and most leaders are not rigorous about it, because life doesn’t wait while you are planning. No wonder so many leaders have little patience with the first steps.

According to Faulkner, Ginsberg and many great writers, if you are particularly proud of a piece of writing, chances are it’s self-indulgent, stands out, and does not serve the greater good of your work.

The saying goes: “you must kill your darlings” – delete them. The overall intent of your work is more important than a particular piece that doesn’t fit, no matter how special you think it is.

So what does that have to do with business?

In today’s world, leaders are under great pressure to find new opportunities for growth. Ventures into new territories, product, channels of distribution, etc. are typically evaluated by short-term profitability and not strategic alignment.

Think you can lead without a vision? Think again. Leadership is about going somewhere. How do you know where you’re going if you don’t have a vision?

Vision makes work meaningful. Vision helps us feel connected to something larger than ourselves. A shared vision helps us feel connected with others because we trust we share the same goals and values.

An organization without a clear vision is like a river without banks—it stagnates and goes nowhere.

A leader without a vision to serve is in danger of becoming self-serving.

For some folks in the business world, living in the “here and now” means seeking instant gratification. So they request favors five minutes into a new relationship, hold “fire sales” rather than building customer loyalty, and bark orders at employees rather than leading with trust. They measure relationships by what they’ve gained rather than by what they’ve done to strengthen the bond. And they negotiate agreements to gain the upper hand rather than making everything win-win. They act this way because it’s quick and easy. Don’t they realize their short-term mindset may be compromising future success?

Last spring my good friend and fellow Berrett-Koehler author Jamie Showkeir received the nightmare diagnosis of ALS.

By summer, he needed the support of a cane. By fall his legs no longer supported him. Today he has only 20% use of his arms, cannot feed himself, and needs total assistance getting in and out of his wheelchair and with other tasks of daily living.

Throughout all this, Jamie remains a bright, loving, generous man, who is mentally sound and engaged in life. He is teaching us about the true meaning of authenticity and courage.

If you’d like to know more about Jamie, read this excellent article in the Arizona Central: When the reality of ALS hits you harder than a bucket of ice water.

Guest post by Eileen McDargh If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that at some point this year, you will need to be resilient – whether pushed by pain or pulled by possibilities.

Resiliency has become an important life skill. So why wait until you’re in a stressful situation to develop resiliency?

Instead, become PREsilient ™ – develop the ability to be resilient before you are tested.

Here are four things you can do to cultivate resiliency and build the muscles you will need now:

1. Develop an attitude of intelligent optimism.

Nothing drains you mentally and physically more than negativity. Intelligent optimism is the practice of finding what is right in a situation instead of focusing on what is wrong. . . . → Read More: 4 Tips to Cultivate Resiliency Before You Need It

Full Steam Ahead!

Jesse Lyn Stoner

As a business consultant, author and executive, I have worked closely with leaders for 25 years helping create engaged workplaces that make positive impact on the world. I hope my blog is helpful for those who want to make a contribution, as a leader at work, in your community, in your family, or in your own life.